A sawfish found dead in Port Hedland with its rostrum, or "saw", cut off has sparked anger in the community.

A video posted to social media showed the fish on the beach, missing its signature saw.

Sawfish are critically endangered and are considered "totally protected" under the Fish Resources Management Act, with fines of up to $5,000 for taking the fish or any part of it.

Past cases have seen people convicted and fined for possessing only a rostrum from a sawfish.

'Exposes their brain'

Murdoch University's Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems Associate Professor David Morgan said removing the rostrum of the sawfish was likely a death sentence.

"Removing the rostrum is just downright cruel," Dr Morgan said.

"Basically, by cutting the saw off, it exposes their brain to sea wate

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